Foreign Ministry responds to detaining 'employee' of German newspaper

(ECNS) -- During a regular press conference Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei fielded questions about the police's detaining of Zhang Miao, an "employee" of the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit.

When asked how China would explain the move to Germany and whether China would release her, Hong said "as far as I have learned, the person you mentioned is suspected of committing provocative activities and creating troubles."

"She did not acquire the post as a Chinese employee of the German press in Beijing in accordance with the country's relevant regulations," he added.

Hong also said "the person in your question is a Chinese citizen. she should observe her obligations as a Chinese citizen and cooperate with the relevant investigation by the Chinese public security organ."

Hong Kong police started removing barricades set up by the Occupy protesters on both sides of Hong Kong's harbor Monday morning. Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said the Occupy Central movement had severely affected citizens' lives.